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Question for Tank Experts

I know a lot about armor but, what was the cylindrical canister on the back of this M3 Stuart for? Gas or water? If it's gas......I can't imagine having it sitting up there like that.
I never understood the US tankers placing jerry cans or early gas cans on the front of the tank. That is just asking to die a flaming death.

Re: Question for Tank Experts

Originally Posted by HAWKEYE

If it's gas......I can't imagine having it sitting up there like that.
I never understood the US tankers placing jerry cans or early gas cans on the front of the tank. That is just asking to die a flaming death.

As long as burning fuel on the outside of a tank doesn't ignite any of the fuel or ammo inside the tank it is not really a danger to the tank crew. Even if a jerry can full of gas exploded on the front of a tank it wouldn't penetrate the armor. If ignited and the crew had to bail out from another hit it may cause issues but keeping it on the front of the tank where it was farthest away from the engine and fuel tank actually makes sense.

Re: Question for Tank Experts

If that were so then Molotov cocktails would have never worked...., I know they were thrown at the engine compartment....just joking..

I'll admit that I'd rather have it away from the engine but if that goes off on the fender or the front plate the driver and bow gunner would never be able to exit the tank. Can you imagine a 5 gallon "molotov" in your lap?

Re: Question for Tank Experts

the m3 stuart was equipped sometimes with 2 -25 gallon jettisonable fuel tanks,due to the short range of 70 miles or 113 km.depending on where you are from.i could find no other pictures with the tanks,

Re: Question for Tank Experts

The Sherman has what looks like two ammo cans (.50 BMG) one one fender, and what looks like a mermite can on the other. Mermite cans were insulated for storing food, and perhaps water,to keep them cool, or warm as occasion demanded. I admit that the cans this resembles were from the 70's, so I may be a victim of similarities.
although this is again from later times, American tanks were arranged to carry one 5 gallon can of water on the side of the turret. No flammables were allowed outside of the vehicle.